Friday, July 31, 2009

So long, Claudio Vargas, we hardly knew ye. Is this a setup for a future trade?

From a Dodgers press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced that they have acquired minor league catcher Vinny Rottino from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for right-handed pitcher Claudio Vargas. Dodger General Manager Ned Colletti made the announcement.

Rottino, 29, has appeared briefly in the Major Leagues for Milwaukee in each of the past three seasons and was named to the Pacific Coast League All-Star team last season when he posted a 24-game hitting streak. The Wisconsin native has made the PCL All-Star team each of the past three years and has been named to his league’s All-Star team in each season dating back to 2004 when he recorded a team record 124 RBI for Single-A Beloit. [...]

MLBTR: "12:26pm: A Jayson Stark source says the asking price for Gonzalez is 'astronomical, three times the asking price on Halladay.' "

Good! As nice as it would be to have him out of the division, it would suck for the Padres to lose Gonzalez. Not to mention the Dodgers would probably have to face him at some point in the post-season.

That's the idea. I must admit, it is good. Rather than rely on your starters to go longer, you get guys who can make it a luxury to go longer. Let's face it, even if we get a competent fifth-starter, he won't be the rotation's savior.

I like Newcastle. Its an import, so its pretty classy already. Its easy to drink too. In any case, the Dodgers should send the Padres a ton of booze, those fans are going to need something to cry into when they lose their two best players.